It's been a busy morning! Dad did well during his first surgery today. Yep, you got that right! His first surgery... And he did well during his second surgery.
After Dad's first surgery, he developed a hematoma that needed repaired. Dr. Dilley, his surgeon, said that there was a pencil sized artery that started bleeding after they closed him up. He went in snipped it, burned it, and cleaned everything up in there and Dad did just fine. Good thing they went back in because Dr. Dilly said there was no way it was going to stop on its own.
Dr. Dilley also said that he went in just went ahead and did the other carotid artery! "Oh, that's great!" we exclaimed. Then he laughed and said "Just kidding!" Okay, payback is ****! It's usually the Chamberlin's messing with the staff at the hospital but this time they got US!
Have a great day and rejoice! First thing Dad and I did this morning was sing "This is the day that the Lord has made" in our usual off tune voices. We are rejoicing and are glad in it!!
Audi
Friday, July 31, 2009
Off to Surgery...
Hi Friends,
Dad is in surgery right now as I type this. He was in such good spirits this morning. He said he slept so well and he seems so at peace with everything that has happened. He told Mom that he was okay with whatever the future held as well. How that I hope and pray that I will be just like him in the face of adversity. His faith really works for him.
He is going to have his right cartotid worked on today during surgery. Then, on Monday next week he'll have the left carotid done. The carotid arteries are the ones in your neck that supply your brain and his left one has some scar tissue from a previous surgery. That's what caused the stroke (which, by the way is resolving quite well). They are doing surgery on the right side first because it has some occlusion, too, and they want him to have a good artery before they work on the really bad one.
I'll give you another update when we get some news. His doctor was so encouraging and we are feeling very blessed that things have happened the way they have. His little stroke may have alerted us to a problem that could've been major in the future.
As usual, thanks for your prayers. We read the 121st Psalm before they took him away, which is a Chamberlin tradition. God is faithful and He's got our backs. Love to you all...
Audi
Dad is in surgery right now as I type this. He was in such good spirits this morning. He said he slept so well and he seems so at peace with everything that has happened. He told Mom that he was okay with whatever the future held as well. How that I hope and pray that I will be just like him in the face of adversity. His faith really works for him.
He is going to have his right cartotid worked on today during surgery. Then, on Monday next week he'll have the left carotid done. The carotid arteries are the ones in your neck that supply your brain and his left one has some scar tissue from a previous surgery. That's what caused the stroke (which, by the way is resolving quite well). They are doing surgery on the right side first because it has some occlusion, too, and they want him to have a good artery before they work on the really bad one.
I'll give you another update when we get some news. His doctor was so encouraging and we are feeling very blessed that things have happened the way they have. His little stroke may have alerted us to a problem that could've been major in the future.
As usual, thanks for your prayers. We read the 121st Psalm before they took him away, which is a Chamberlin tradition. God is faithful and He's got our backs. Love to you all...
Audi
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
More about Dad
Hi Everyone...
It's been a long day but God is answering our prayers for wisdom and direction. Dad's doctor was in today and has confirmed that by definition, he has had a stroke. BUT it has been a mild one that has alerted us to a problem that needs to be corrected. Pending a couple of more tests, Dad will likely have surgery on his carotid artery. This probably resulted from scarring from the surgery he had eight years ago.
The good news is, 99% of the time, the surgery is completed without complication. After surgery, it's been recommended that he go to rehab for his arm/leg for 7-10 days. The therapists were very optimistic about his recovery due to how well he is doing.
Dad and I walked 3 laps around his floor today without any problem. Got Mom walking around, too! More importantly, his faith is as solid as a rock! I told him tonight if I can be like him someday that would be the greatest thing in the world. He is soooo okay with whatever comes his way. He has a faith in God like none other that I've known. It gives ME peace just to witness his life.
God is answering our prayers for direction. We're also praying for Mom's peace and of course, Dad's complete healing. We also give thanks for you - all of our wonderful friends and family.
Good night, friends. We are comforted by your thoughts and prayers. -- Audi
It's been a long day but God is answering our prayers for wisdom and direction. Dad's doctor was in today and has confirmed that by definition, he has had a stroke. BUT it has been a mild one that has alerted us to a problem that needs to be corrected. Pending a couple of more tests, Dad will likely have surgery on his carotid artery. This probably resulted from scarring from the surgery he had eight years ago.
The good news is, 99% of the time, the surgery is completed without complication. After surgery, it's been recommended that he go to rehab for his arm/leg for 7-10 days. The therapists were very optimistic about his recovery due to how well he is doing.
Dad and I walked 3 laps around his floor today without any problem. Got Mom walking around, too! More importantly, his faith is as solid as a rock! I told him tonight if I can be like him someday that would be the greatest thing in the world. He is soooo okay with whatever comes his way. He has a faith in God like none other that I've known. It gives ME peace just to witness his life.
God is answering our prayers for direction. We're also praying for Mom's peace and of course, Dad's complete healing. We also give thanks for you - all of our wonderful friends and family.
Good night, friends. We are comforted by your thoughts and prayers. -- Audi
Dad Update...
Well, it's official. Dad is one of the cutest patients in Riverview Hospital. The nurse agreed that the gentleman next door is pretty cute, too, and indicated they are tied for first.
Dad is doing well. He is still having tests. He is walking and the right weakness in his leg is minimal. Just makes steps a little tricky or catching himself if he has a stumble more difficult. He has some fine motor problems with his fingers. We've been playing with coins - trying to pick them up, stack them, etc. HE CAN STILL TYPE so he'll continue computing!
His spirits are good. He talks fine and has no other problems. We are just waiting on test results. It will probably be a few days before we get out of here. Mom is fine - hanging out with us at the hospital.
We are certain that God has us covered. Life is good even in the midst of a storm. Thanks for your prayers!
Dad is doing well. He is still having tests. He is walking and the right weakness in his leg is minimal. Just makes steps a little tricky or catching himself if he has a stumble more difficult. He has some fine motor problems with his fingers. We've been playing with coins - trying to pick them up, stack them, etc. HE CAN STILL TYPE so he'll continue computing!
His spirits are good. He talks fine and has no other problems. We are just waiting on test results. It will probably be a few days before we get out of here. Mom is fine - hanging out with us at the hospital.
We are certain that God has us covered. Life is good even in the midst of a storm. Thanks for your prayers!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Whoops...It's Dad This Time
Hi Friends...
Well, I just got Mom tucked in bed and thought I'd give a little update on Dad. News flies quickly in our world because of so many blessed connections, but in case you're far away - here's what went down today.
Dad woke up feeling like his hip was "giving out on him". He went about his business as usual, but when he was signing the credit card bill for a car repair he noted that his signature was unusually little and felt funny. He had a couple of falls and very wisely agreed that he should get checked out. Fearful that he was having a TIA or something worse, we called 911 and got him to Riverview Hospital pronto.
Preliminary tests came out encouraging although his symptoms are calling for a little more attention. I talked to his nurse tonight and she said he was doing well (speech/eating/swallowing/cognition) - just a little right sided weakness.
Of course, your prayers are certainly appreciated. We have already been showered with visits from Mom/Dad's neighbors tonight. We feel so blessed to have friends and family - lots of prayers - and good healthcare. I'll keep you updated. That's all for now... Audi
Well, I just got Mom tucked in bed and thought I'd give a little update on Dad. News flies quickly in our world because of so many blessed connections, but in case you're far away - here's what went down today.
Dad woke up feeling like his hip was "giving out on him". He went about his business as usual, but when he was signing the credit card bill for a car repair he noted that his signature was unusually little and felt funny. He had a couple of falls and very wisely agreed that he should get checked out. Fearful that he was having a TIA or something worse, we called 911 and got him to Riverview Hospital pronto.
Preliminary tests came out encouraging although his symptoms are calling for a little more attention. I talked to his nurse tonight and she said he was doing well (speech/eating/swallowing/cognition) - just a little right sided weakness.
Of course, your prayers are certainly appreciated. We have already been showered with visits from Mom/Dad's neighbors tonight. We feel so blessed to have friends and family - lots of prayers - and good healthcare. I'll keep you updated. That's all for now... Audi
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
GRADUATION (AT LAST) ! ! !
FINALLY ... AFTER 19 MONTHS OF INTENSE THERAPY at Riverview Hospital, Community North Rehab Center, Tender Loving Care Home Therapy, and Harbour Manor ... LA DONNA IS GRADUATING MAGNA CUM LAUDE!
Pictured above are her final therapists (Donna Hulka [physical therapist] and Melissa Tenet [occupational therapist] who have given her Electrical Stimulation Therapy at Harbour Manor to loosen the tone (tightness) in her right hand and leg.
They have secured for her a portable electrical stimulation machine to use at home.
They have trained Nelson how to operate the machine on a daily basis and also taught him how to assist her in the daily exercises they have prescribed for her. They have been a joy to work with.
She is walking well with the rolling cane and is able to perform several chores around the home including making the bed, straightening up the kitchen, assisting in the cooking, doing the laundry, and doing work on the landscaping outdoors.
We are grateful to Harbour Manor and their excellent staff for the services they have provided her. We would highly recommend them to any who need their services.
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